Detroit was one of the most affected areas during the recession in the beginning, helping to make Michigan the state with the highest unemployment rate. However, CNN reports that the area is now facing a comeback that is giving hope to those in the automotive industry.

Some of the strides the city has made recently include General Motors (GM) filing for one of the biggest public stock offerings in the nation”s history and Chrysler hiring on new workers. Some analysts have called Detroit a bright spot in the economy, but many recognize there is still a long way to go in terms of restoring the market to what it was prior to the recession.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the sector is expected to see a 5 percent growth in job opportunities through 2018.

According to the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, the minimum education now required for an assembly-line job at a car manufacturing plant is a two-year college degree.

Economics professor Charles Ballard told the Detroit Free Press that Michigan needs to invest in the education of its future skill trades workforce.

"If there's any lesson that we should take away, it's that we need to ramp up the skills of our workforce," Ballard told the news agency. "All the richest states have one thing in common: They have a high proportion of college degrees."

Michigan performs below average when it comes to producing college graduates.

Economists are forecasting that Michigan will end this year with the first positive net increase in jobs since 2000 and predict even more job growth over the next two years.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that professionals with an advanced postsecondary degree have the potential to earn $500 more per week than those with a high school diploma or less.

According to the report by the Great American Group, auto sales in the U.S. jumped 7 percent in October, with Chrysler and Hyundai leading the way.

Mike Marchlik, national sales and marketing director for the Great American Group, told the International Business Times that the increase in car sales across the country is another encouraging sign for the auto industry.

"We've seen this trend all year," Marchlik told the news agency. "Because if you look at the year-over-year comparison, it has to go up at this point. The previous year's numbers are really beat up. The denominator was really low. Part of the reason for recovery is the fact that this past year was really low."

Overall, more than 1 million new cars were sold during October 2011, helping other industries, including the metal stamping market and tire sales, report record revenues as well.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job opportunities for auto service technicians and mechanics are best for those who have completed formal automotive technician training.
 

According to the Michigan-based organization, job openings will continue in a variety of auto sectors, with companies seeing a need for skilled trade workers, welders and assemblers. Auto parts makers are expected to add an additional 120,000 worker through 2015. The increase in manufacturing began this year, with car-related jobs in the state increasing 24 percent from July 2009 to September 2011.

The report also found, however, that many higher paid workers are being offered incentives to leave at the major car companies look to cut operating costs. At the same time, lower-wage workers are expected to see a salary increase over the next four years.

Of the big car companies, Ford pays the highest wages, averaging $58 per hour, Volkswagen AG spends an average of $38 per hour on its workers. Both companies are expected to increase hourly rates by $3 to $4 dollars by 2015.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for welders and brazing workers are expected to be good through the end of the decade, especially for those with advanced training.
 

In Toledo, Ohio, Chrysler said it will invest $500 million and create 1,100 more jobs at its plant to make the replacement of the Jeep Liberty and possibly other automobiles, according to the Toledo Blade.

The company said it would also add a second shift at the factory as it makes the replacement for the Nitro, which is scheduled to be phased out of production in December.

More good news for those with a skilled trade looking to find manufacturing work, as General Motors (GM) also said it would be adding thousands of new jobs at its idled plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

The New York Times reports that GM wants to hire approximately 700 new workers next year to start building the Chevrolet Equinox and other cars whenever extra production is needed.

GM said it will also add an additional 1,200 jobs to build another midsize vehicle at the facility for the 2015 model year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the weekly earnings of production workers in the motor vehicle and parts manufacturing industry average $1,250, and may increase when overtime and special shifts are required. 

"We figure it's a way for us to give back to the veterans that have given their time for us and those that have given their time for us in the past," he told the media outlet.

Lasilla's business, U.P Auto Tech, provides veterans with a 15 percent discount on labor costs with every visit. Three of his four staff members have served in the U.S. Military, and patriotism runs through their blood, the mechanic stated.

"It's a family thing for sure my wife and I were both married in the Air Force and we both come from a pretty strong military background, both our grandparents served in the military," he stated.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics will likely increase by 5 percent through 2018, faster than the average of all occupations, as a growing number of vehicles in the country will lead to more auto repair service needs.
 

USA Today reports that in the first 12 months of sales, the Cruze was ranked 10th in overall car purchases in the U.S. The news could help bolster job rates among those who have a background in auto technician training, as hundreds of thousands of new cars hit the road.

Chevrolet said it had to increase production rates at its Lordstown, Ohio, plant, which has been running three shifts plus weekend overtime in order to keep up with a surge in demand.

Alan Batey, Chevrolet sales chief, told the news agency that customers are flocking to by the Cruze, which has a highway rating of 42 miles per gallon.

"Everywhere in the world where we launched the car, it just took off. So we knew the hardware was really good," Batey added.

Sales from its Ohio plant are estimated to be more than 20,000 a month.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow by 5 percent, with the best opportunities going to those who have completed postsecondary automotive training programs.
 

Any concerns about Emily Jones being one of the only females enrolled in the Henderson County High School automotive course are lost on the 15-year-old sophomore. That most woman in the automotive industry are either service consultants or service writers likely is insignificant to her as well.

She also is taking information technology courses, which also are majority male.

Jones is looking forward to capitalizing on the knowledge she gains in order to fix her own car once she starts driving.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow by as much as 5 percent in the 10-year period leading up to 2018. Though this rate is not as quick as the average pace for all occupations, career opportunities project to be good, particularly for individuals who complete post-secondary automotive training programs.

John Kasper emerged from five finalists in a program supported by the company that encourages students to pursue automotive technology careers.

"It's always been my philosophy to try to shoot higher than just placing someone in a job," Kasper told the publication. "One of the reasons I got into automotive training is because I realized I could do more than just be an everyday technician."

In addition to being a master automobile technician, Kasper also is a master in auto body repair, engine machinist and HD truck. He also holds a certification in Advanced Engine Performance.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities for automotive service technicians and mechanics is forecast to grow by as much as 5 percent in the 10-year period leading to 2018. Though this rate is not as quick as the average pace for all occupations, career opportunities project to be good, particularly for individuals who complete post-secondary automotive training programs.

Doug Powell of Tire Town in Myrtle Beach also recommends antifreeze, checking belts and hoses for wear and tear, and checking tire pressure since it tends to drop with cold weather.

"First thing I would do is have the oil changed, and make sure you're using the right viscosity oil for your engine," Powell told the publication. "You can find that out in the owner's manual."

Another precaution to be on top of is rotating tires, which Powell said can be performed every other oil change.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities for automotive service technicians and mechanics is forecast to grow by as much as 5 percent in the 10-year period leading to 2018. Though this rate is not as quick as the average pace for all occupations, career opportunities project to be good, particularly for individuals who complete post-secondary automotive training programs.